Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Commonly Asked Questions About the Major
What is the Major in Sport and Exercise Psychology?
The major in sport and exercise psychology is offered by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Students who pursue this major take foundation courses in the sport and exercise sciences, such as foundations of coaching, exercise physiology, kinesiology, introduction to athletic training, and motor learning. Students complete a number of specialty courses in sport and exercise psychology such as the social psychology of sport, the African American in Sports, and exercise psychology. Students can elect to do a practicum in sport and exercise psychology if they meet the minimum GPA requirement. Students are also required to complete coursework in psychology and sociology.
Why Should I Select this Major?
If you love sports and fitness, and you have an interest in psychology or sociology, you have found the perfect major. If you are interested in eventually working with people in sport or exercise settings by helping them cope with athletic injuries, manage stress, adjust to a career outside of sports, maximize their performance, or practice a healthy lifestyle, then you have found the right major.
Do I Have to Be an Athlete to Pursue this Major?
No. Many of our students are interested in sports and in staying physically fit. However, only a few majors participate in our intercollegiate athletics program.
Can I Obtain an Official Minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology?
Yes.
What Career Opportunities Exist in Sport and Exercise Psychology?
Although sport and exercise psychology is a recent field, many exciting job opportunities exist. The media has highlighted how sport psychologists have worked with professional athletes, Olympic-level athletes, or prominent college athletes. However, only a few sport psychologists can make a full-time living working with elite athletes.
Some professionals in the field work in intercollegiate programs as directors of the CHAMPS/Life Skills programs mandated by the NCAA. These programs are designed to help college athletes develop good study habits, time management skills, career paths, and other life skills. Students who specialize in exercise psychology are now working in hospital wellness centers or physical rehabilitation centers. For example, one area of great interest is how to motivate those individuals who sustain sports-related injuries to successfully negotiate the rehabilitation process. The vast major of professionals trained in sport and exercise psychology continue to work in academic settings where they teach, do research, and providing consultation services.
Can I Get a Job in Sport and Exercise Psychology after Completing the Baccalaureate Degree?
No. While some of our students find employment in a sports-related field (e.g., coaching, recreation and fitness) after graduating from the program, most students who wish to pursue a career in sport and exercise psychology go on to graduate school. To practice in the field, you need graduate-level training in sport and exercise psychology, and you also may want to consider training in counseling or clinical psychology. Thus, one of the primary goals of the faculty is to ensure that our students are successfully admitted into the leading graduate programs in the nation.
Bachelor of Science Degree in SEP Main Page
Sport and Exercise Psychology Main Page
Undergraduate Major in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Doctoral Program in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Dr. Dana Brooks, Dean
- Dr. Damien Clement
- Dr. Vanessa Shannon
- Dr. Ed Etzel
- Dr. Jack Watson
- Dr. Sam Zizzi
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Home Page
West Virginia University Home Page
Updated 10/14/08 sb